IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma breaks Shahid Afridi’s legendary record in Ranchi ODI against South Africa
Rohit Sharma added another monumental chapter to his glittering legacy in the ODI opener against South Africa in Ranchi. In a performance blending authority and artistry, the former Indian captain shattered one of cricket’s most iconic records in limited-overs series to surpass Shahid Afridiis the long-standing brand.
IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma breaks Pakistani Shahid Afridi’s ODI world record with masterclass in Ranchi
Rohit produced an innings of stunning authority to become the player with most sixes in ODI history, surpassing Afridi’s iconic total of 351 sixes in a single, dazzling display of power in Ranchi. Coming in with clarity and intent, Rohit dominated the South African attack with a mixture of composure and explosiveness, equaling Afridi’s record with consecutive sixes. Prénelan Subrayen before topping it with a vintage short-arm sweater on a slim leg against Marco Jansen.
His shots were effortless, his timing impeccable and his willingness to dictate the pace of the innings was a reminder of why he remains one of the most complete limited-overs hitters of his generation. Beyond the record, Rohit also notched his 60th ODI fifty, pacing the chase with characteristic calm even as the South African bowlers searched for answers. His new milestone adds to an already extraordinary resume, where he leads T20Is for sixes (205) and is also among the most influential batters in Test cricket with 88 sixes, taking his tally in international cricket to an unprecedented maximum of 642. The Ranchi crowd responded with roaring approval, aware that they were witnessing a moment that will be referenced for decades in cricket conversations.
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India asserts control in Ranchi ODI after South Africa opts to bowl first
South Africa’s decision to bowl looked risky from the first overs, as Yashasvi Jaiswal And Rohit Sharma immediately capitalized on the new hard ball, taking India to 50 in seven overs. Jaiswal’s quick-fire appearance ended when Burger induced an edge, but that only brought together one of the most destructive partnerships in ODI cricket, Rohit and Virat Kohli. Rohit started cautiously before switching to his authoritative range, pulling Jansen for six and then leveling Shahid Afridi’s record with consecutive hits against Subrayen. His six scoring runs came in a signature style: a front-foot pull sailing over fine leg, whipping the Ranchi crowd into a frenzy.
Kohli, on the other hand, played the role of tempo controller to perfection, drilling the spaces, turning the strike and punishing the width with a series of elegant cover drives. Their century-old stand arrived with ease, built on precise running and total command of the South African attack. Subrayen and Bosch went over the edge, while Baartman struggled for discipline, repeatedly gifting length.
Jansen finally trapped Rohit LBW on 57, ending a record innings but failing to slow India’s acceleration. Loture Gaikwad’India’s short visit ended with an unfortunate loft, but India’s run rate remained above 6.7 per over thanks to Kohli continuing to find boundaries. With Washington Sundar join him and India already at 185/3 in just 27.2 oversa total beyond 330 seemed entirely achievable. South Africa will need immediate breakthroughs in the middle overs to prevent India from knocking them out of the competition completely.
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